Waseca pageant, Alzheimer's presentation, and State Fair!

Life after Miss America's Outstanding Teen has kept rolling. Crazy that's its already been almost two weeks since the final night of the pageant.

I know that I've said this before but I'm so beyond happy that I have been blessed with the opportunity to come back to Minnesota and represent all of you. I would have absolutely loved to be the new Miss America's Outstanding Teen, but I also absolutely love being Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen! More than most people realize. I'm so excited for what is in store the next couple of months.

The Saturday after I return from Florida, I headed down to Waseca, Minnesota for the Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter/ Miss South Central pageant. My Grandma and Aunt live only half an hour away from Waseca, so I was lucky enough to stay with them for the weekend. I was looking forward to this pageant for many reasons, one of them being the fact that they were crowning two Outstanding Teen girls! Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter's Outstanding Teen (that's a mouthful!) and Miss South Central Outstanding Teen were also crowned that night. The two Outstanding Teen crowns were a first for this local organization.

Twenty girls competed that night, and four girls walked away with a new sparkly object! Congrats to the new Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter, Drew Trahms, the new Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter's Outstanding Teen, Anna Burns, the new Miss South Central, Tiffany Buszta, and the new Miss South Central's Outstanding Teen, Corrina Swiggum! I think the Waseca/South Central Organization is going to have an extremely fun year with the new queens.

Also congrats to Kalli, the outgoing Miss South Central and Rachel, the outgoing Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter! You both have done an awesome job.

We had on matching gowns :)

My first day of school was Monday as well. I am attending Central Lakes College in Brainerd as a Post-Secondary student. This is my senior year of high school and I wanted to get a jump-start on my college education :) I felt like it was the first day of kindergarten... new school, I hardly know anyone, and I don't know my way around! Tomorrow will be my third day and I'm starting to get the hang of this whole college thing :)

This past Tuesday, I was at Breathe of Life Adult Day Care Services visiting with some ladies who attend an Alzheimer's/ dementia support group. Both my Mom and I just sat down and had a little talk with them about what we're going through and experiencing. It was great to hear their stories!

Today, I was at the Minnesota State Fair with my Mom and my boyfriend. If you are anything like my Mom and I... we go to the fair to eat all of the wonderful deep fried food on a stick! My favorites are the chocolate  covered banana's (on a stick of course!) and the deep friend pickles with ranch. YUM! But I decided to get a little risky and try something new... so I had a deep-fried Reese's cup (on a stick again!)! And to anyone who loves Reese's like I do, I would definitely recommend this highly un-nutritional, breaded, gooey snack! It was delicious!

Here's to hoping all of you are enjoying the end of your summer.
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

The final two days... Day 7 and 8 of MAOTeen week!

Day 7 of MAOTeen week:

"Today was extremely fun because it was such a low key day. We didn't have a prelim competition and there was no rehearsal. Plus I was feeling good from getting seven hours of sleep.

The day started with breakfast and a workshop on mental management. Today the Teens in Action finalists had their interviews to determine the one winner. There were ten finalists and I wish I could say I was one of them, but that's okay. This award does not heighten nor degrade the work that I have done with my platform.

So while they had their interviews, the rest of us had lunch at the hotel then we were able to go back up to our  rooms for a couple hours for more free time. I used this time to hang out with the three girls that I became closest with this week; Morgan (Delaware), Stevie (Kansas), and Grace (Illinois). These girls have truly become great friends and have made the week what it has been. I feel that my time here has been worth while because I have made three life-long friends.

We then got some time to check out the new official MAOTeen jewelry line at the Trade Show. The jewelry is beautiful! They have crown rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

After the Trade Show, all of us were pumped to have a pool party! This was the first time all week that we were able to be outside and enjoy the lovely Florida weather. The day was looking like it was going to be a sunny one but the minute all of us stepped outside a huge storm came and just about blew us all over! The thing about Florida is that the weather is so unpredictable.

After our little pool party attempt, we had more free time to get ready for the Princess Party. This was a fun event for both us and the little princesses. Stevie and I didn't have a princess from our state, so we stuck together and ended up getting a princess from Texas who knew exactly what she wanted. First, we did her make-up, then we headed over to the hair station and I asked her what she wanted. She said she wanted it curly and half up. I did just that and she demanded to see it before we move on and insisted that I smooth it out because it was too frizzy. After I did so, I quickly rushed her off before she could tell me that something else was wrong with it. The next station was the dress making. Her dress was made out of a pink plastic table cloth and you can imagine how hard it was to make a dress out of plastic. Our princess said she wanted a one shoulder dress with a train. I was so proud of us because we gave her the dress of her dreams! Complete with a yellow foam crown adorned with a chin strap so it would stay on. All of the princesses then got to strut their stuff on a runway in front of their parents and MAOTeen staff. It was hilarious to see them working the runway. I couldn't help but think that there were future Outstanding Teens in that room.

After the Princess Party we had time to get ready for the Evening of the Stars fundraiser. This event helped the MAOTeen scholarship fund. We had performers such as Teresa Scanlan and Joey Paige as well as speakers like Robin Fleming and Mac Dougall. The event was hosted by the very first MAOTeen, Meghan Miller and the three course meal they served was amazingly good! It was really great to see my support team there as well as a new addition, Bruce Vassar, co-executive director of Miss Minnesota.

When we got back to our hostess suite, we had Donna Bozarth speak to us a little but about how proud she is of us and how sad she was that only one girl could be crowned tomorrow night. We then had three former MAOTeens talk to us about how the year went for them when they were crowned. Meghan Miller, Maria DeSantis, and Taylor Fitch were all there and although the night got long, it was interesting to hear the things they had to say.

Finally we got the talk about packing up our rooms so our parents didn't have to do it for us tomorrow. This made me extremely sad to hear that tonight is our final night we will be staying here with our roommates and as part of MAOTeen Class of 2012.

Packing up all my stuff didn't take as long as I expected and I got to thinking about how excited I am for tomorrow. Even if I don't win, place, or made Top Twelve, I'm still so proud of myself for getting to this point. Over 10,000 girls competed in the MAOTeen program this year and I'm one of 53 girls to be competing on the national stage. I can't really put my emotions into words right now other than I'm just excited for tomorrow and I am so honored to be here."

Day 8 of MAOTeen week:

"Well today was the big day. I didn't walk away as the new Miss America's Outstanding Teen, nor did I make Top Twelve, but I'm at peace and I regret nothing.

The day started out a little earlier than yesterday with breakfast at 7:30AM. We had rehearsals today starting at 9AM because this how was completely different than the preliminary shows. We didn't say our state intros live tonight, they were pre-recorded so we didn't have to say anything, plus we had to rehearse how the Top Twelve was going to be called.

Lunch was at noon as normal and was really good. Instead of the bagged lunches we've been having, it was pasta catered by a local Italian restaurant.

Once lunch was over we had more rehearsal until 5PM. It was a full dress rehearsal and I was actually called as 4th runner-up (If only it wasn't rehearsal :)).

Before I knew it we were eating dinner and getting another inspirational talk from Rodney, our security extraordinaire. They always seem to make me cry. I also had a little Bible study and prayer sesh with Stevie and Grace along with North Dakota, Kaylee. This really relaxed me and I think that's why I'm so at ease with what has happened tonight.

I made sure that tonight I would just have fun and soak it all in regardless if I made Top Twelve or not.

I did just that. That was the most fun I've had with the opening number all week!

Of course I was a little sad that I didn't make Top Twelve, but when I truly think about it I realize that there was absolutely nothing I would change about the week. I did the very best I could and left nothing behind. I could not have done anything better. I'm okay with not making Top Twelve because I know in my heart that I'm leaving tonight with no regrets. God's plan is perfect and this was not in His plan for me because there is something greater waiting in my future. I don't know exactly what that is, but I know it's there.

I'm also at peace because I'm one of only seven girls to have walked across that stage who have represented Minnesota. That in itself is incredible and something I'm very proud of.

Plus, I get to come back home and enjoy the next ten months of my reign as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. I'm so excited to finish out my year strong and still be part of the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Program.

I can't wait to get home to see everyone! Thank you for all of the support and good luck wishes.

I want to congratulate the new Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013, Rachel Yuki Wyatt from South Carolina! I'm so happy she won because of her strong faith and genuine nature. We all should be honored to have her representing us."

My sash got stuck on Grace's dress... we didn't want to say goodbye!!

With gratitude,
Bailey Wachholz
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012 for ten more months :)

Day 4, 5, and 6 of MAOTeen week!

Day 4 of MAOTeen week:

"Well today was the start of prelims... not sure how I'm feeling at this moment. I'm excited to get on with the preliminary competition but sad at the realization that the week is half over and my dream is almost complete. My life has been so blessed so far.

This morning was a little later of a morning, but still early. Breakfast was at 6:30AM and my day started at 5AM.

This day was ten times less crazy than yesterday. We just had rehearsals from 8-12, then at noon we headed over to the Orange County Convention Center and the Linda Chapin Theater. It's right across the street from our hotel, so it's an easy walk but a long walk.

We had lunch right away at the Convention Center then headed back to the auditorium to start rehearsals.

Rehearsals were very intense. I think everyone was a little stressed because it was the first night of prelims, but before I knew it we were eating dinner and getting ready for the show.

The show went smoothly and was very relaxed. I only did evening gown and onstage question so it was a very easy night for me.

I felt that my performance tonight was the best that it could have been. Although I didn't walk away with the preliminary evening gown award, I'm still very proud of my performance and I wouldn't change a thing.

So as I end the day, I'm grateful for the good things the Lord has provided for me this week and I'm so ready for the day ahead of me tomorrow. I'm excited to do fitness wear tomorrow :)"

Day 5 of MAOTeen week:

"I woke up this morning feeling very refreshed and ready to have fun competing in fitness wear.

Breakfast was at 7:30AM and rehearsals were at 8. Rehearsals were very low key (seems like that's how things have been lately...). The Princesses checked-in today, so for probably half of the rehearsal, the Princesses practiced their routine. That was really nice because I was able to sleep and gather my thoughts. Yesterday was a very difficult day because I was physically and emotionally drained, but today I'm feeling so much better about everything. I have a new found energy and excitement and I'm not feeling so drained anymore.

Once rehearsals ended we followed protocol and walked over to the Convention Center to have lunch before rehearsals started at 2PM.

Rehearsals went by surprisingly fast and everyone scarfed down dinner so we could have a little extra time to get ready.

My fitness wear went really well. My thoughts going into it were to simply have fun and show my personality. I feel that I completely reached those two goals and again, I don't regret anything about my performance. I danced how Bailey would dance, not how Miss America's Outstanding Teen would dance. My personality showed through and I felt so confident on that stage.

When we got back to the hotel after prelims there were SO many gifts waiting for us! Including cupcakes! It is Miss New Hampshire's and Miss Arkansas' birthday today, to Arkansas brought us all cupcakes and tomorrow we will celebrate New Hampshire's birthday with cupcakes as well.

Our security team, Rodney and Lewis, gave us a little surprise and brought a former Miss America, Erica Dunlap to give us a little pep talk before we head into our last preliminary night tomorrow.

And one last surprise for the day... breakfast isn't until 9AM tomorrow and rehearsal is cancelled!! I'm so excited to get more than 5 hours of sleep tonight."

Day 6 of MAOTeen week:

"It's crazy to me that this is the last day of the preliminary competition. This week is flying by!

I figured I'd separate this into two pieces because I have some free time right now before the competition and I will write after the competition as well.

I just got done with my talent run through and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went. The last time I was on a piano was last Sunday, and that piano was not very good so I was a little worried about how it would go. My first run through I only had maybe five mistakes and my second run through I only had one so if tonight's performance goes as well as my second run through I will be pleased as punch :)

As I'm waiting for the rest of talent run throughs to wrap up, I'm feeling so good about tonight and I'm ready to get on that stage and perform. I've worked hard on this piece and all of that hard work is coming to a fruition.

When I woke up this morning, I was feeling so refreshed from getting almost eight hours of sleep. It felt amazing to wake-up at 8:30AM instead of 5AM!
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As I'm laying in bed think about how the night went, I have many emotions running through me. My hope is to try and gather them together to write them down.

I was feeling so ready to perform my talent tonight. My rehearsal went great, I was feeling great, and I was feeling unstoppable.

My piano playing felt incredible! I get so lost in the music and I got through the piece with minor mistakes. I literally played my first cord and realized that this may be the last time I perform this piece for the judges sitting before me. I am not guaranteed a spot on Saturday night, but I hope that my performance was enough. It was a hard realization, but I opened myself up and let myself be vulnerable. I tried to let every emotion I was feeling at that moment be portrayed through my eyes. I prayed that I could accomplish that goal, and I feel that the Lord did His work because I felt amazing. I would change nothing about my competition the past three days. I did the best I could and I hope that Minnesota is as proud of me as I am honored to be here.

I didn't walk away with a preliminary talent award, and to be honest I was a little disappointed. I wish I could have come back to Minnesota to show off my prelim award but I know that preliminary awards don't always win a pageant. I'm going to enjoy tomorrow and soak in one of the last days I have with 52 amazing, awesome, inspirational, talented, beautiful, poised, and gracious girls from across the country,

So it's all in the judges hands now. There is nothing I can do but wait until Saturday when Top Twelve is announced.

Even if I don't away as Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013, I know in my heart that God's plan is so incredibly perfect and there's nothing I can do but go with it because it's not changing. His plan is already set in stone. I'm trusting Him to help build me up these final two days. I'm really looking forward to a whole day of relaxation and rest."

Love always,
Bailey